Government Initiatives
General Practice often forms an integral piece of government initiatives, this page provides information about various government initiatives that will have an impact on General Practice.
In March 2012, new medical standards come into effect for drivers of private and commercial vehicles. The standards are contained in the document Assessing Fitness to Drive 2012, which replaces the previous standards (Assessing Fitness to Drive 2003).
As from the 1st July 2011, Medicare has announced that rebates will be available for video-tele consultations between Medical Specialists, Nurse Practitioners, Midwives, Practice Nurses and Aboriginal health workers, Medical Practitioners and Aged Care Services.
Better Start For Children with Disability Initiative
The Healthy Start for School Initiative commenced 1 July 2011. For a parent receiving income support during the financial year in which their child turns four, the child will be required to undergo a relevant health check to ensure they are healthy, fit and ready for school. This is a requirement to receiving the Family Tax Benefit A Supplement for the financial year in which a child turns four.
Information about the Healthy Kids Check can be found at Department of Health and Ageing - Healthy Kids Check Resource Kit
The Child and Family Health Service a division of Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) South Australia in partnership with the Centre for Education and Training with funding from Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing have recently developed an e-learning tool for general practice nurses to build confidence and knowledge in conducting a Healthy Kids Check. Please visit: www.healthykidscheckelearning.net.au/login.php.
Coordinated Veterans’ Care Program
The CVC program is aimed at reducing hospital admissions for DVA Gold Card holders through the involvement of General Practice in the coordination of proactive chronic disease management of those Gold card holders considered most at risk.